Today we’d like to introduce you to Brent Runnels.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Brent. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Music has been the main focus and passion of my life since childhood, I started piano lessons at age 5 with a wonderful neighborhood teacher named Alice Trott. By the time I was in late junior high school (that’s what we called it back then!) my Mom realized I needed a more advanced teacher, so I went to lessons at the local community college. I think I was about 15 when I realized I wanted to go to college for music.
I attended Ithaca College as an undergraduate and finished my masters and Doctor of Music degrees at the Manhattan School of Music in New York. I was very blessed to have incredibly supportive parents who loved the idea I was so committed to being a musician. The schools I attended had great programs in both classical and jazz music, which allowed me to pursue my passion equally for these two musical worlds. I had the great fortune to study with many amazing teachers, including John Browning, Constance Keene, Karl Ulrich Schnabel, Richard Goode and Martino Tirimo. Perhaps these aren’t household names to the average person but folks in the music world will recognize these names as wonderful pianists and teachers.
Since my years in school, I have performed all over the world and enjoyed making music with so many other great musicians and friends. Along the way, it became clear to me that my favorite musical experiences are rooted in making music with others. I’ve done my fair share of solo work but it’s always the collaborative experiences that stand out and that I cherish the most. It also became clear to me early on that I love teaching. So I have held teaching positions since my early twenties.
I’ve been teaching at Oglethorpe University since 2008 and last year took over the directorship of the music department there. I love the environment and the students at Oglethorpe. It’s a wonderful intimate setting where we can engage our students on an individual basis and help participate in and support their unique academic journeys. So I guess you could say my professional world has turned out to be a wonderful blend of teaching and performance. Life is good!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I’ve had many of the usual struggles any professional musician and teacher can expect: rejection, difficulty finding work, public failure on stage (fortunately nobody has ever been hurt!), physical issues after years of practicing and playing an instrument, loss of great musical friends, etc. But these all come with the territory and are part of what I think to help me as a teacher. I know the pitfalls and potholes that are out there.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Oglethorpe University story. Tell us more about the business.
Oglethorpe University is in a nice growth mode a the moment. Things seem to be moving in the right direction and I am excited about the growth possibilities here. My teaching position is particularly enjoyable because I get to wear several different hats, I’m not stuck doing one thing all the time, which of course even in a creative environment can be a real drag.
I think my diversity as a musician is a plus, especially when it comes to helping students from all different kinds of backgrounds, places, abilities and interests. I’ll go down any musical road needed, whether it’s to check on Bach, Beethoven, The Beatles, Boulez or Freddie Mercury!
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
More often than not, successful music professionals tend to “make their own luck.” I love the saying that golfer Gary Player uses: “The more I practice, the luckier I get!”
Contact Info:
- Email: brunnels@oglethorpe.eduOglethorpe
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oglethorpeuniversity/
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